Ninja Tables Vulnerability – Missing Authorization – CVE-2024-23504 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What exactly is the vulnerability in Ninja Tables?

What exactly is the vulnerability in Ninja Tables? The vulnerability allows any user, including malicious attackers, to export data from Ninja Tables without needing to authenticate or login. This stems from missing access controls in the export functions of versions 5.0.5 and earlier. Essentially it leaves the door wide open for data theft.

Q: Which versions of Ninja Tables are affected?

Which versions of Ninja Tables are affected? Ninja Tables versions 5.0.5 and earlier contain this vulnerability. Any WordPress sites running those versions of the plugin are exposed to potential compromise and data access until updating.

Q: Has my site been hacked if I use Ninja Tables?

Has my site been hacked if I use Ninja Tables? Not necessarily. Just having a vulnerable version installed exposes you to risk, but doesn’t guarantee your data has been taken. Check your Ninja Tables activity logs for any unauthorized exports as a precaution. Implementing the update patches the hole so future attacks aren’t possible.

Q: Could updating break my existing Ninja Tables?

Could updating break my existing Ninja Tables? Updating to the latest fixed version 5.0.6 should not impact your existing tables or data. The update addresses the coding flaw that allowed access - your content and configs will remain intact after updating within the dashboard.

Q: What could attackers actually access on my site?

What could attackers actually access on my site? Attackers can access and export any sensitive data you have stored in Ninja Tables, like customer details, financial information, or other internal operations data. If confidential info resides in your tables, consider this a breach risk.

Q: Is there an alternate plugin I can use instead?

Is there an alternate plugin I can use instead? If you feel uncomfortable continuing with Ninja Tables after this vulnerability, some alternatives to consider are TablePress and WP Data Tables. Both provide robust table building with import/export capabilities. Just be sure to keep these updated as well.

Q: What is the CVSS score?

What is the CVSS score? The CVSS score of 5.3 indicates a medium level severity vulnerability, but it still poses risks. Many attackers target flaws like this which may be easier to exploit than more complex issues scoring higher. All vulnerabilities warrant attention.

Q: Will Ninja Tables get patched again?

Will Ninja Tables get patched again? Given their active development and history of responsible disclosure and patching of flaws, the team will likely continue releasing fixes when new issues emerge. However, sticking to the latest versions gives you timely protection versus running old versions.

Q: Why does updating plugins matter so much?

Why does updating plugins matter so much? Software constantly changes - and errors inevitably happen affecting security, even in top plugins like Ninja Tables. Updating feeds in new code and fixes to close up those holes before hackers can get through them. It’s the easiest way to add a shield.

Q: What can I do to prevent this in the future?

What can I do to prevent this in the future? Enabling auto updates for WordPress and all your plugins is the best approach for small business owners or sites without dedicated tech teams. This quietly applies security patches in the background without you having to monitor anything.

By Your WP Guy | January 19, 2024

Plugin Name: Ninja Tables

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: ninja-tables
Software Status: Active
Software Author: techjewel
Software Downloads: 1,636,926
Active Installs: 80,000
Last Updated: January 19, 2024
Patched Versions: 5.0.6
Affected Versions: <= 5.0.5

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Ninja Tables <= 5.0.5 - Missing Authorization
Title: Missing Authorization
Type: Missing Authorization
CVE: CVE-2024-23504
CVSS Score: 5.3 (Medium)
Publicly Published: January 19, 2024
Researcher: emad
Description: The Ninja Tables plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access due to a missing capability check on the defaultExport() and dragAndDropExport() functions in versions up to, and including, 5.0.5. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to export table data.

Summary:

The Ninja Tables for WordPress plugin has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 5.0.5 that allows unauthorized access and data export. This vulnerability has been patched in version 5.0.6.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability arises due to missing access control checks in the defaultExport() and dragAndDropExport() functions of the Ninja Tables plugin. This oversight makes it possible for any unauthenticated user to export sensitive table data from vulnerable installations. The issue was responsibly disclosed and patched on January 19th, 2024 in version 5.0.6. Sites running Ninja Tables versions 5.0.5 and below are exposed to data theft until updated. Users are advised to update immediately to close this access control gap.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update to version 5.0.6 as soon as possible.
Check for Signs of Compromise: Review Ninja Tables activity logs for unauthorized data exports.
Alternate Plugins: Consider TablePress or WP Data Tables for alternate table plugins.
Stay Updated: Enable automatic updates on all plugins to receive vulnerability patches rapidly.

Conclusion:

The quick response from Ninja Tables to patch this serious flaw indicates their security commitment. However sites relying on legacy versions remain in jeopardy. Updating to the latest release is highly advised to close this unauthorized data access vector.

References:

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/ninja-tables

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/ninja-tables/ninja-tables-505-missing-authorization-1

Detailed Report:

Keeping your website secure should be a top priority – outdated software and plugins open doors for attackers to access your site. Unfortunately, a popular WordPress plugin called Ninja Tables has a newly disclosed vulnerability that puts over 80,000 websites at risk. In this post, I’ll provide practical advice to help you understand the risks and take action to protect your site.

About Ninja Tables

Ninja Tables is a WordPress plugin with over 1.6 million downloads that allows you to build and manage tables and data sets easily on your site. It’s actively maintained and has 80,000+ active installs currently.

The Vulnerability

Researcher emad recently disclosed a vulnerability dubbed “Missing Authorization” in Ninja Tables version 5.0.5 and below. The vulnerability allows any non-authenticated users – including hackers – to export sensitive data from Ninja Tables on vulnerable sites. This presents a serious security threat and data breach risk.

Risks and Impacts

This vulnerability allows an attacker to steal confidential business data you may store in Ninja Tables like customer information, financials, or operations details. Left unpatched, your website acts as an open door to prized data theft targets.

How to Fix

The good news is Ninja Tables released version 5.0.6 on January 19th, 2024 to patch this vulnerability. Updating is as easy as clicking “Update” next to Ninja Tables in your plugin dashboard. This closes the security hole, preventing future unauthorized access and exports.

Past Vulnerabilities

Ninja Tables has had 3 other vulnerabilities reported since October 2021. While the development team has responsibly patched previous flaws, updating diligently helps avoid exposing your site during these gaps.

Staying Secure

As a small business owner without ample security resources, the most effective way to avoid threats like this Ninja Tables vulnerability is to enable automatic WordPress updates. This automatically applies security patches in the background without any effort on your end.

Security vulnerabilities like this one demonstrate the importance of having WordPress experts regularly monitor, maintain and update your site. At Your WP Guy, we offer ongoing management to handle updates, security monitoring, backups, uptime and support so you can stop worrying and get back to growing your business.

Let us fully audit your site to check for any signs of this vulnerability or other issues. We'll immediately update any out-of-date plugins and harden your site's security. Chat with us anytime during business hours, schedule a call or call 678-995-5169 to lock down your online presence.